TBUG 2024 Announcement. WE ARE SOLD OUT!
Attendees...Scroll down for details and updates
If you want to be on wait list in case we get a cancelation please email [email protected]
The merchandise store is open!!! Click here for for t-shirts, cups, hats and lots of other cool stuff..
https://www.cafepress.com/shop/TBUG2024GiftShop
Dear TBUG 2024 Attendees
Our event planning team has been hard at work getting ready for this November's cruise and we are sending this information out to keep you updated.
Please remember to check our website for the most current information. Emails sometimes get lost or blocked so our website www.tampabayukulele.com is the best source of up to date information.
Schedule
The schedule of events with time is posted on the website. Since we’re doing this on a ship and conference room size is limited we will be running 2 identical sessions for each workshop. You’ll receive a blue or green color coded badge at registration and that will indicate which sessions you should attend.
Registration
After you board the ship and have settled into your cabin please come to our registration room to pick up your event VIP Pass Badges at Caspian Boardroom, Deck 5
Welcome Party
As we set sail on Sunday, we’re hosting a private event welcome reception party at 4pm in the Safari Club with a meet and greet of the artists. There will be complimentary Hors d'oeuvres and more, unique party foods and drinks.
Workshop materials and songs
We’re a "green friendly" organization and use digital media rather than paper whenever possible. For that reason, we will upload our program to the website prior to the sailing so you can download to your device or print it out. The conference rooms have either projection or large screen tv’s for display of material. Our play along session will also be projected/displayed
TBUG Store Merchandise
Our online store https://www.cafepress.com/shop/TBUG2024GiftShop is open now and has lots of different shirts, hats, cups and other items you can purchase. Please start shopping and order now to allow plenty of time for delivery; nothing will be sold on the ship other than tickets for chances to win ukuleles and whatever the artists may bring to sell.
One on One Coaching
This year, we’re offering something new…. the opportunity to book one-on-one coaching/instruction with the TBUG artist/workshop presenters. We hope this will be a unique opportunity to receive one-on-one coaching to help improve your ukulele skills. Each artist will have time slots and a dedicated room available for these sessions. Refer to the schedule for times. If you are interested in learning more about this (fees, topics, length of sessions, etc.), please reach out to the artists below. Note you should book in advance if you want to take advantage of this one on one coaching option.
The Birdwatchers: [email protected]
Peter Moss: [email protected]
Marnie Ward: [email protected]
Greg Gent: [email protected]
Open Mic
We plan on having open mics while in Cozumel at the Money Bar and then on the ship during trivia night. There will be signup sheets. Please select songs that are 4 minutes or less in length. We recommended you bring a ukulele with a pickup so we can plug you into the sound system. Note: To help you “be your best” Greg Gent is doing an open mic workshop Monday at 7pm. See schedule.
Chances to Win Ukuleles
There will be 10 beautiful ukuleles of various styles, makes and sizes in this year’s chance drawings. These have been donated to TBUS and are one of the ways our 501(c)3 organization raises funds to run our events, entertainment and education programs and pay the associated expenses. You can buy tickets with cash or credit cards ($10 per chance) and then drop the tickets in the boxes next to the ukuleles you want to try and win. They will be on display in Caspian Boardroom, Deck 5 and feel free to touch and try them out.
What to Bring
Cash & credit card, ukulele, tablets, passport or Real ID drivers license.
We discourage music stands as they really take up valuable space in meeting rooms
Our event planning team has been hard at work getting ready for this November's cruise and we are sending this information out to keep you updated.
Please remember to check our website for the most current information. Emails sometimes get lost or blocked so our website www.tampabayukulele.com is the best source of up to date information.
Schedule
The schedule of events with time is posted on the website. Since we’re doing this on a ship and conference room size is limited we will be running 2 identical sessions for each workshop. You’ll receive a blue or green color coded badge at registration and that will indicate which sessions you should attend.
Registration
After you board the ship and have settled into your cabin please come to our registration room to pick up your event VIP Pass Badges at Caspian Boardroom, Deck 5
Welcome Party
As we set sail on Sunday, we’re hosting a private event welcome reception party at 4pm in the Safari Club with a meet and greet of the artists. There will be complimentary Hors d'oeuvres and more, unique party foods and drinks.
Workshop materials and songs
We’re a "green friendly" organization and use digital media rather than paper whenever possible. For that reason, we will upload our program to the website prior to the sailing so you can download to your device or print it out. The conference rooms have either projection or large screen tv’s for display of material. Our play along session will also be projected/displayed
TBUG Store Merchandise
Our online store https://www.cafepress.com/shop/TBUG2024GiftShop is open now and has lots of different shirts, hats, cups and other items you can purchase. Please start shopping and order now to allow plenty of time for delivery; nothing will be sold on the ship other than tickets for chances to win ukuleles and whatever the artists may bring to sell.
One on One Coaching
This year, we’re offering something new…. the opportunity to book one-on-one coaching/instruction with the TBUG artist/workshop presenters. We hope this will be a unique opportunity to receive one-on-one coaching to help improve your ukulele skills. Each artist will have time slots and a dedicated room available for these sessions. Refer to the schedule for times. If you are interested in learning more about this (fees, topics, length of sessions, etc.), please reach out to the artists below. Note you should book in advance if you want to take advantage of this one on one coaching option.
The Birdwatchers: [email protected]
Peter Moss: [email protected]
Marnie Ward: [email protected]
Greg Gent: [email protected]
Open Mic
We plan on having open mics while in Cozumel at the Money Bar and then on the ship during trivia night. There will be signup sheets. Please select songs that are 4 minutes or less in length. We recommended you bring a ukulele with a pickup so we can plug you into the sound system. Note: To help you “be your best” Greg Gent is doing an open mic workshop Monday at 7pm. See schedule.
Chances to Win Ukuleles
There will be 10 beautiful ukuleles of various styles, makes and sizes in this year’s chance drawings. These have been donated to TBUS and are one of the ways our 501(c)3 organization raises funds to run our events, entertainment and education programs and pay the associated expenses. You can buy tickets with cash or credit cards ($10 per chance) and then drop the tickets in the boxes next to the ukuleles you want to try and win. They will be on display in Caspian Boardroom, Deck 5 and feel free to touch and try them out.
What to Bring
Cash & credit card, ukulele, tablets, passport or Real ID drivers license.
We discourage music stands as they really take up valuable space in meeting rooms
Your VIP Cruise Pass includes attendance to all workshops, jams, open mics, artist meet & greet, concert and onshore fiesta party. VIP Cruise Passes are only $199 for players and $99 for non player companions (plus cost for your cabin and incidentals on ship). You must purchase your VIP pass before booking your cruise cabin and all cruise reservations must be made with our travel specialist.
SOLD OUT!!!!!
TBUS has negotiated and reserved 90 cabins on the Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas to accommodate 180 attendees, artists and TBUG Staff. Cabins start at $365 pp interior (plus taxes etc)
Theres so much to see, hear, learn and do at TBUG (plus everything on the ship):
Meet & Greet with The Artists
Cocktail Party & Playalong
Lots of Workshop sessions while at sea
Playalongs with The Artists
A Fun Day in Cozumel Mexico
Open Mic Show
Jam Room
A Fun Day in Costa Maya Mexico
Ukulele Trivia Night
Artist Concert
Ukulele Opportunity Drawings
1 on 1 lessons with the artists (optional for a fee)
Cancellations and refund requests may be made up to 120 days prior to event (less $10 processing fee).
ONCE YOU HAVE PURCHASED YOUR VIP PASS CLICK THIS LINK FOR BOOKING YOUR CABINS WITH CORPORATE CRUISE CONSULTANTS. OUR GROUP CONTRACT REQUIRES ALL BOOKINGS TO BE MADE HERE.. DO NOT BOOK DIRECT WITH RCCL
SOLD OUT!!!!!
TBUS has negotiated and reserved 90 cabins on the Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas to accommodate 180 attendees, artists and TBUG Staff. Cabins start at $365 pp interior (plus taxes etc)
Theres so much to see, hear, learn and do at TBUG (plus everything on the ship):
Meet & Greet with The Artists
Cocktail Party & Playalong
Lots of Workshop sessions while at sea
Playalongs with The Artists
A Fun Day in Cozumel Mexico
Open Mic Show
Jam Room
A Fun Day in Costa Maya Mexico
Ukulele Trivia Night
Artist Concert
Ukulele Opportunity Drawings
1 on 1 lessons with the artists (optional for a fee)
Cancellations and refund requests may be made up to 120 days prior to event (less $10 processing fee).
ONCE YOU HAVE PURCHASED YOUR VIP PASS CLICK THIS LINK FOR BOOKING YOUR CABINS WITH CORPORATE CRUISE CONSULTANTS. OUR GROUP CONTRACT REQUIRES ALL BOOKINGS TO BE MADE HERE.. DO NOT BOOK DIRECT WITH RCCL
This is what attendees and artists said about our TBUG 2023 Cruise!!
Aloha Tom!
What a fabulous, well-planned festival! I was SO happy and honored to be part of the very first TBUG Cruise Getaway! Truthfully, Bob and I did not know what to expect and came down ready for anything to happen.
What we did NOT expect was an incredibly prepared group of people who had literally thought of EVERYTHING,
and made it such a pleasure to be a part of. Every venue space, for performances, play Alongs and workshops was spectacular and the ship’s staff was also stellar.
In addition! Y’ALL ARE FUN! I had a blast playing all together and soaking up the great musicianship!
I just wanted to write a personal note and say Mahalo!! Lisa
————————--
Great program and very well executed.
We really enjoyed ourselves.
Many thanks again for all you do JJackie
—————————--
Sun music adventure and fine dining aboard the Royal Caribbean boat cruise Tampa, Florida to Cozumel, Mexico for the Tampabayukulelegetaway
____________________
What an amazing four days with friends, old and new on our first cruise for TBUG! I have memories I will cherish always, and love that I got to know some folks better, and met a bunch of new to me people as well! Tom and all the volunteers did a tremendous job making this happen, and I’m so grateful I was part of it!
_____________________
It was really special! Great times with friends old and new, plus great presenters, music and learned some new things too. Now need to practice!
____________
Tom, Thank you for a wonderful TBUG! Can't wait until next year
-------------
TBUG cruise was absolutely amazing! Thank you Tom, Dick, Greg, Jay and all for your exquisite hospitality, ohana and fun! We loved every minute! #webbtigertduo #tbugcruise
——————————--
We had a wonderful time. Our group walked away with 3 new ukuleles won in the raffles. How lucky is that? I love my new purple light up banjolele. Matches my purple wrist cast perfectly. Thanks for all of the hard work that went into planning and executing this event.
----------------------------
The win/win aspect of the TBUS organization is fantastic and motivational.
---------------------------------------------
Ukulele festivals/cruises are like family reunions where you get to meet all those cousin Ukers, share the good times, and make the memories behind a million smiles to come. Joy Abston
-------------------------------------------------------------
Alot of good information was presented and was useful to all levels of experience. The artists that presented were very encouraging. They stressed that there isn’t a right or wrong way to play. They showed tips on how to make songs more interesting. The participants were there to play with others and to learn new information. There was no competition as to who was a better player. They made every level of player feel welcome
-------------------------------------------------------------------
WENT TO MY FIRST TBUG IN 2001. HAD NEVER PICKED UP A UKE.. JUST THERE WITH MY WIFE. WENT TO A BEGINNER CLASS AND HAVE NOT PUT THE UKE DOWN. WHEN TBUG DECIDED TO GO WET, I HAD CONCERNS. MY CONCERNS LEFT THE FIRST DAY. TBUS DID A SUPERENDOUS JOB.THANK YOU FOR YOUR USUAL GREAT JOB.. BOB LEE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have a great time and strum till you fingers are sore...what a good feeling.
----------------------------------------------------
Singing and strumming, picking and grinning your uke on gently rocking waters. What could be better!
--------------------------------------------------------
Great job organizing, great venue, I especially love the camaraderie and making new friends!
------------------------------------------------------------
Very creative, special time plus a top grade cruise
-----------------------------------------------------
I very much enjoyed the cruise. Dale Anthony
---------------------------------------------------
All the work to make this happen, paid off!
---------------------------------------------------------------
TBUG is by far THE BEST for organizing and planning the events for ukulele players!
-------------------------------------------------------
I give it 5 strums out of 5, and a tremolo.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Excellent venue and value
---------------------------------------------
I am very happy to have gone. The ship provided excellent workshop facilities, and it was actually more cost effective in the overall big picture. Gail Reynold
-------------------------------------------------------------
10 members of the Cresswind Uke Club from Gainesville Georgia came on the 2023 TBUG Sail and Strum Cruise- we all had a big time! Great to spend time with our club mates and the bigger ukulele community, take classes from wonderful professors, play tons of music, make lots of new friends and come home inspired to become better musicians. Thanks TBUG for all the fun. John Kelley
Aloha Tom!
What a fabulous, well-planned festival! I was SO happy and honored to be part of the very first TBUG Cruise Getaway! Truthfully, Bob and I did not know what to expect and came down ready for anything to happen.
What we did NOT expect was an incredibly prepared group of people who had literally thought of EVERYTHING,
and made it such a pleasure to be a part of. Every venue space, for performances, play Alongs and workshops was spectacular and the ship’s staff was also stellar.
In addition! Y’ALL ARE FUN! I had a blast playing all together and soaking up the great musicianship!
I just wanted to write a personal note and say Mahalo!! Lisa
————————--
Great program and very well executed.
We really enjoyed ourselves.
Many thanks again for all you do JJackie
—————————--
Sun music adventure and fine dining aboard the Royal Caribbean boat cruise Tampa, Florida to Cozumel, Mexico for the Tampabayukulelegetaway
____________________
What an amazing four days with friends, old and new on our first cruise for TBUG! I have memories I will cherish always, and love that I got to know some folks better, and met a bunch of new to me people as well! Tom and all the volunteers did a tremendous job making this happen, and I’m so grateful I was part of it!
_____________________
It was really special! Great times with friends old and new, plus great presenters, music and learned some new things too. Now need to practice!
____________
Tom, Thank you for a wonderful TBUG! Can't wait until next year
-------------
TBUG cruise was absolutely amazing! Thank you Tom, Dick, Greg, Jay and all for your exquisite hospitality, ohana and fun! We loved every minute! #webbtigertduo #tbugcruise
——————————--
We had a wonderful time. Our group walked away with 3 new ukuleles won in the raffles. How lucky is that? I love my new purple light up banjolele. Matches my purple wrist cast perfectly. Thanks for all of the hard work that went into planning and executing this event.
----------------------------
The win/win aspect of the TBUS organization is fantastic and motivational.
---------------------------------------------
Ukulele festivals/cruises are like family reunions where you get to meet all those cousin Ukers, share the good times, and make the memories behind a million smiles to come. Joy Abston
-------------------------------------------------------------
Alot of good information was presented and was useful to all levels of experience. The artists that presented were very encouraging. They stressed that there isn’t a right or wrong way to play. They showed tips on how to make songs more interesting. The participants were there to play with others and to learn new information. There was no competition as to who was a better player. They made every level of player feel welcome
-------------------------------------------------------------------
WENT TO MY FIRST TBUG IN 2001. HAD NEVER PICKED UP A UKE.. JUST THERE WITH MY WIFE. WENT TO A BEGINNER CLASS AND HAVE NOT PUT THE UKE DOWN. WHEN TBUG DECIDED TO GO WET, I HAD CONCERNS. MY CONCERNS LEFT THE FIRST DAY. TBUS DID A SUPERENDOUS JOB.THANK YOU FOR YOUR USUAL GREAT JOB.. BOB LEE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have a great time and strum till you fingers are sore...what a good feeling.
----------------------------------------------------
Singing and strumming, picking and grinning your uke on gently rocking waters. What could be better!
--------------------------------------------------------
Great job organizing, great venue, I especially love the camaraderie and making new friends!
------------------------------------------------------------
Very creative, special time plus a top grade cruise
-----------------------------------------------------
I very much enjoyed the cruise. Dale Anthony
---------------------------------------------------
All the work to make this happen, paid off!
---------------------------------------------------------------
TBUG is by far THE BEST for organizing and planning the events for ukulele players!
-------------------------------------------------------
I give it 5 strums out of 5, and a tremolo.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Excellent venue and value
---------------------------------------------
I am very happy to have gone. The ship provided excellent workshop facilities, and it was actually more cost effective in the overall big picture. Gail Reynold
-------------------------------------------------------------
10 members of the Cresswind Uke Club from Gainesville Georgia came on the 2023 TBUG Sail and Strum Cruise- we all had a big time! Great to spend time with our club mates and the bigger ukulele community, take classes from wonderful professors, play tons of music, make lots of new friends and come home inspired to become better musicians. Thanks TBUG for all the fun. John Kelley